1. Microwave System Capabilities a. Demonstrate that the system being proposed meets the following requirements: i. Dual purpose – capable of performing both microwave digestion and microwave extraction ii. Magnetron – total power output is greater than or equal to 1600W iii. Electrical specifications 1. Designed to operate at 208V AC 2. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that electrical equipment used in the United States be approved by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) iv. Acid Resistance – unit is constructed with acid resistant materials 1. 316 stainless steel or better for the housing 2. Corrosion resistant polymer coatings 3. Corrosion resistant exhaust system 4. All sensor ports in the microwave cavity are designed with corrosion resistance materials v. Flexibility to utilize rotors with different sized vessels with volumes up to 100 mL vi. Built in exhaust system to ensure all electronics are protected from acid vapors 2. Safety Features a. Demonstrate that the system being proposed has the following safety features: i. Automatic door locking system to ensure that the unit is not opened until a set temperature is reached ii. Auto Shut off if full power is applied for an extended time to prevent runaway reactions iii. Detect and turn off the system if a vessel event is to occur iv. Self-resealing pressure responsive door on springs to ensure maximum safety even in the case of an overpressure release 3. Sensors a. Demonstrate that the system being proposed has the following sensor capabilities: i. Vessel identification ii. Ability to count the number of vessels present iii. Monitor vessel temperatures and limit the maximum temperature at which a vessel can obtain iv. Temperature monitoring using either contactless technology or traditional probe methods using either a thermocouple or fiber optic cable v. For safety purposes, a solvent sensor must be present for use during organic solvent extraction processes 4. Vessels a. Demonstrate that the system being proposed can utilize these types of vessels: i. Vessels can vent and reseal themselves to ensure that the vessel does not become over pressurized ii. Different vessels that can tolerate pressures between 35 bar and 100 bar iii. Vessels tolerant of acids under high temperatures iv. Vessels designed with the chemical resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene but with additional strength provided by another matrix that is also microwave transparent v. Vessels that can accept a sample vial of dimensions 38 mm diameter x 115 mm length 5. User Interface and Software a. Demonstrate that the system being proposed has a user interface with the following features: i. Dedicated touch screen controls ii. Full control of all digestive parameters iii. Multiple USB, ethernet, and/or wireless connectivity to interface the instrument to external devices, especially for data uploading to a PC for transfer to the laboratory’s Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) b. Demonstrated that the system being proposed has a software library that provides the following: i. Optimized and preloaded methods, especially with respect to US EPA SW846. Specifically, EPA Methods 3015A and 3051A are expected to be included with the proposed system ii. Access to a robust library of information, including: a. User manual b. Parts list c. Video tutorials d. Application notes e. Relevant scientific articles f. Technical notes
